Derbyshire residents urged to prepare for further floods

Residents and motorists are being urged by Derbyshire County Council to get prepared as more heavy rain expected over the next few days brings the risk of more flooding.

Downpours meant some roads had to close in the south of the county on Wednesday this week where water was too deep for vehicles to pass safely.

The county council responded to requests for help including for sandbags and extra staff being brought in to help unblock gullies.

And as staff gear up for more downpours they are issuing advice on how to stay safe and help prevent flooding:

• Take notice of road closures – some vehicles around the county have ignored the signs and become stuck in floodwater. As well as drivers becoming trapped, this can lead to surrounding properties being flooded as the swell from the vehicle pushes water away from the road;

• Clear leaves from grates and gullies to help rainwater drain away – the county council will be checking culverts and known flooding hotspots ;

• Keep a supply of sandbags if your property is prone to flooding. They are usually available from builders merchants and DIY stores. The county council, district and borough councils can also provide them. If your property is at risk of flooding the authority can also help to supply sandbags. Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058 or 01629 533190 or in an emergency flood situation call 999. Further information on protecting your home is available on www.derbyshire.gov.uk;

• Sign up for flood alerts from the Environment Agency at www.environment-agency.gov.uk and tune-in to local radio stations for the latest situation on the roads. The Environment Agency also provides the Floodline 0845 988 1188 service. You can listen to recorded flood warning information for your area or speak to an operator for advice 24 hours a day.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for public health Coun Carol Hart said: “The ground is already saturated by heavy rain and this has a knock-on effect when we have another downpour because there’s nowhere for the water to go.”

“We’ll be out in force doing all we can to make the roads as safe as possible and help those affected by flooding wherever and whenever they need it.”